Welcome to San Luis Obispo
Bordered by green mountain peaks with a quaint downtown and ideal weather minutes from the Pacific Ocean, San Luis Obispo is a California dream. The city is known for its laid-back charm — commonly referred to as “The SLO Life” — while also offering plenty of fun things to do and see.
A wide range of accommodations include small independent inns, large chain hotels, bed and breakfasts and homestays, making it easy for anyone to experience the SLO Life. You can find more information on the local area, including accommodations, on the Visit San Luis Obispo and Visit SLO CAL websites.
Open House Arrival Information
You must purchase a parking permit in advance if you plan to park on campus during Open House weekend. On Friday, we will offer shuttle service for visitors staying in San Luis Obispo hotels.
Guest Parking
On-campus parking on Friday and Saturday, April 10-11, is prepaid only. Guests can purchase a parking permit online (available later in February). Anyone without prepaid permits on April 10 will be directed to an off-campus parking location and will need to take the shuttle to campus.
You can enter campus on Grand Avenue or Highland Drive. Show your prepaid permit to the Transportation and Parking Services staff when you arrive on campus. Parking on campus is extremely limited as classes will be in session. No oversized vehicles will be allowed on campus.
Accessible Parking
ADA parking will be available for guests. Purchase a parking permit for April 10-11 before you arrive (link available later in February). Once on campus, follow Open House signage. Parking staff will direct you to parking. ADA spaces will be available in all lots. A disabled placard is required to park in accessible lots.
Wheelchairs and Accessible Seating
While most Cal Poly facilities are wheelchair accessible, please be aware there is significant distance between campus buildings and parking areas, with many sloped campus pathways and roads.
Open House guests are encouraged to bring their own wheelchair. At all Open House events accessible seating will be available.
Shuttle and Bus Information
Shuttles for Open House guests will be provided Friday, April 10, every hour from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. for those staying in select San Luis Obispo hotels. All shuttle pickups and drop offs on Cal Poly’s campus will be at O’Neill Green.
Shuttle Pick Up/Drop Off Locations
Madonna Plaza (near McDonalds)
Servicing the following hotels, but not limited to:
- Madonna Inn
- Vagabond Inn
- Best Western Royal Oak
- Embassy Suites
- SpringHill Suites
- Residence Inn
Los Osos Valley Road
Servicing the following hotels, but not limited to:
- TownePlace Suites
- Motel 6 South
- Hotel Calle Joaquin
- Courtyard Marriott
- Hampton Inn & Suites
Grand Avenue at Veterans Hall
Servicing the following hotels, but not limited to:
- The Wayfarer
- Quality Suites Downtown
- Apple Farm Hotel
- Hotel Buena Vista
- La Quinta Inn
- La Cuesta Inn
- Peach Tree Inn
- Mission Inn
- San Luis Creek Lodge
- Sands Inn & Suites
- Inn at San Luis Obispo
- Villa Motel
- Sunbeam Motel
- Lamplighter Inn
- Los Padres Inn
- The Butler Hotel
Download the New Mustang Guide 2026
For the detailed Open House schedule, including locations and event information, download the “Cal Poly Orientation” app in the App Store or Google Play and search for “New Mustang Guide 2026.”
